Report Fraud, Waste and Abuse Related to Public Transportation Projects and Spending

The ISAU's jurisdiction includes projects and spending by MassDOT and the MBTA. The ISAU’s areas of review include MassDOT’s Highway Division, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, the Aeronautics Division, and spending by regional transit authorities, cities and towns that use Chapter 90 funds for roadway improvements, as well as other expenditures of transportation funds.  

To report suspected wrongdoing in connection with public or private transportation funds, please provide as much information as possible:

• Identify the city, town, agency or other public entity involved.
• Provide the name(s) of individual(s) involved, with their positions or titles.
• Explain the issue or concern in as much detail as possible, including the nature, scope and timeframe of the suspected wrongdoing.
• Provide us with information about other individuals who may have relevant information or documents, as well as their contact information. (optional)
• Identify whether the complaint involves a public entity, such as MassDOT, the MBTA (including the division within MassDOT or the MBTA, if possible) RMV, Highway Divisions, Aeronautics Division, a city or a regional transit authority.

Include copies of any related documents, photos or videos, which you can upload with our reporting form or send to our office via email or mail.

We will keep your identity confidential to the extent possible. In some cases it may be necessary to share your complaint if we need to refer the matter to a more suitable agency or work with another agency to investigate your complaint. Even so, your name will not be disclosed without your written consent. You will receive advanced notice from our office in the rare instance that we cannot avoid disclosure. Under Massachusetts law, all OIG records - including your tips and complaints - are confidential and exempt from the Public Records Law.

Every tip and complaint is important, and we review each one as quickly as possible. However, not every tip results in an investigation. Please note that, by statute, the Office’s work is confidential and therefore we generally cannot provide you with information about or comment on any action undertaken regarding your complaint.

If you report suspected illegal activity, state whistleblower laws may protect your identity and also may protect you from an employer's retaliation or intimidation.

Want to learn more before you make a complaint? Visit our fraud reporting FAQ.

If you need to make a general complaint about the fraud, waste or abuse of public funds not involving public transportation contracts and spending, contact the OIG's confidential hotline.

The OIG does not usually handle the following types of complaints. Please contact the agencies listed:

• E-ZPass. To resolve billing or toll-collection disputes related to electronic tolling or E-Z Pass, contact the E-Z Pass customer service center at (877) 627-7745
• MBTA Customer Service & Support. To contact MBTA Customer Service & Support, call (800) 392-6100
• MBTA Commuter Rail Customer Support. To contact MBTA Customer Service & Support, call (800) 392-6100
• Alleged safety concerns and dangerous driving by commercial companies. To file a complaint against a moving, truck or bus company, contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at 1-888-DOT-SAFT.
• Roadway Debris. To report roadway litter or debris, contact Keep Mass Beautiful at 1-857-368-3500.

The ISAU’s investigations at MassDOT and the MBTA can include:

• Wasteful transportation spending
• Public corruption
• Bribery
• Theft of public assets
• Procurement fraud
• Misuse of public assets